Grace Lore, Mitzi Dean. Wendy Peterson and Deputy Chief Scott Green spoke at the funding announcement on April 12 at the Victoria Sexual Assault Centre. The Provincial Government will provide $200,000 in funding for the next two years to help support the programs and services offered. (Kendra Crighton/Victoria News Staff)

“I’m a true believer in collaboration and that when people work together we end up with the best results for women, children and families,” said Dean. “The clinic is a living, working, breathing, shining example of that in its 24/7 operation and it’s service.”

Since 2016, the centre has been running an integrated clinic where victims of sexual assault receive a number of services including medical exams, forensic tests and crisis support in one central location.

According to Grace Lore, the money will ensure the centre stays open for this year and helps cover some costs into the next. The yearly budget of the centre is $204,000 but Lore says that due to the accumulation of downstream costs the yearly budget is actually closer to $280,000.